If you aren’t a professional plumber, it can seem daunting to think about finding the source of a leak in your home. It is crucial that you act as soon as you suspect a leak. A small leak can slowly cause serious damage to your home; a big leak that is brewing can be devastating. It can lead to burst pipes and expensive repairs.
Here are some helpful tips that can help you protect your home and get to the source of water leaks.
How to Find the Source
The first stop as a leak detective is to check out your water meter. Switch off your faucets. Does the water meter continue? You’ve got a leak. Now, where is that leak located? Start in your basement. Do you see any evidence of moisture? Is there cold or warm spots flowing beneath your feet?
You could have a foundation or slab leak. Is there water pooling around your water heater? It could be the valve.Look up to the ceiling, do you see water spots underneath bathrooms or laundry rooms? Something may be leaking through the floor.
Check out your piping and joist under sinks for moisture on the outside as well. Don’t forget that you’ve got plumbing outside too. Do you have an irrigation system? Make sure that there is no water pooling in soft spots on your lawn. Look at your hose bibs for moisture or drips.
Effects of Water Leaks
As a homeowner, you always have a long to-do list. Don’t leave leaks at the bottom of the list, because your home is at risk from water damage. A small amount of water can damage your home’s structure, ruin flooring and drywall, lift carpeting, peel paint and wallpaper, and destroy your personal belongings.
There is danger posed to your electrical systems, in the event of a lot of water. Water damage will lessen your home’s indoor air quality as well because mold growth happens commonly with water damage.
Proactive and Preventative
Want to avoid the headache of water damage from a leak?
- Commit to regular maintenance to keep your pipes healthy.
- Don’t put anything that doesn’t belong there down your pipes.
- If you cook a lot with grease, you may want to get your pipes hydrojetted regularly.
- If your pipes are older, get them inspected and replaced as necessary.
- The most common cause of water leaks is pipe damage caused by corrosion and age.
